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SWITCH MECHANISM Filed April 9, 192 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 A. L. RUBEL Nov. 10, 1931.

' SWITCH MECHANISM Filed April 9, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 OPUE ITzzren 27 1. a wi Patented Nov. 10, 1931 UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE ABRAHAM L. RUBEL, OF LA FORTE, INJDA, ASSIGNOR 10 EASTMAN-MORLEY COL, 0F

LA. PORTE, INDIANA, A CQRPORATION 0F INDIANA Application tilled April El, 1927. Serial No. 182,401.

The present invention has reference to electric switch structure and more particularly to that type of switch structure in which a plurality of circuits are controlled either simultaneously or'in a desired sequence such as is a requirement in the electric control of automatic elevators, electric signs, electric heaters, oil burners, etc.

An object of the present invention is produce a switch structure oi this type having a plurality of circuit controlling which are actuated from a common actuating means either simultaneously or in a precle termined sequence.

' lit is a further object of the present inven tion to provide a switch mechanism. of the type described in which the individual circuit closing means for the multiple circuits given a positive actuation which ent in its rate of movement to that 0 mon controlling element or means.

lit is a still further object of J invention to provide a switch mech. the type described in which sequence of operation of the circuit con ling means may be varied both wit each other and with respect to the of the common actuating means.

Further objects and advantages inai'ter more -fully appear in the specification in which is set tort scribed several preferred embodimc invention.

In the accompanying drawings formi a portion of this specification illustrating various embodiments, 1 is a side e I tional view of an embodiment of the switch structure in which two separate circuits are controlled in sequence.

Fig. 2 is a front View of the sw tu're shown in Fig. 3., being also a section on the line 22 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view or the switch structure taken along the line 33 of 2.

Fig. 4 is a similar sectional view to of Fig. 2 but with the actuating means in a different relative position.

Fig. 5 is a section along the line 5-5 or Fi 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the same structure taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view showing details of certain parts of the switch mechanism.

Fig. 8 is a section along the line 8-8 of which a thermostatic actuating means is will ployed.

a wi -i s 1 which a c -.crn ot a can w is actuated in. y lesired manner. his emhocanent comprises a i-raine ember l, in which a drive is suits. ly mounted. The shaft carrie cam 8 which may be provided d contour. Jame member 1 has its and ca...ries at its other end a men ll-shaped frame member by means of through bolts 7.

A cylindrical guice pin 8 is adjustahly' threaded through the terminal block 6 support block 5, the pin 8 having its inner end of reduced dian eter 9. An operating member 10 is sliclably mounted upon -e inner portion of guide member 8, preferably upon its reduced portion 9. For is purpose, the member 10 is formed with an opening 10w, preferably extending axially there-ct. The member 10 is biased in one direction by a spring 11 to normally engage with or against the cam 3, so that the latter rides on the inner end of the member 10 as it rotates. The spring 11 is preferably coiled around the guide pin 8 and the outer portion of the opening 10a" in the reciprocating member 10 is preferably formed with an enlarged recess or well 10m to accommodate the spring. In this form of construction, the outer end of the spring abuts against the inner side of the U-shaped frame member 1 and its inner end abuts against the bottom of the recess 10m. The reciprocating member 10 carries two threaded pins 12 and 13, which, in the embodiment being described, are located on diametrically opposite sides of the member 10 and at different distances from the cam engaging end thereof. The purpose of the pins 12 and 13 will later appear. The guide pin 8 may be locked in adjusted position by a nut 8a.

Two pairs of knife edge supports 14, 14 and 15, 15 are adjustably mounted on the U-shaped frame member 1, these supports being adjustably locked or secured to the frame member by means of screws 16. As shown, one support of each pair is secured to one arm of the frame 1 and aligns with the other support of the pair on the other arm. By loosening the screws 16 it will be seen that the knife edge supports may be tilted or swung so that the notches at their outer ends may be adjusted relative to the cam engaging end of the member 10. The notches are preferably V-shaped and function to provide seats for rocker levers 17 and 18, respectively, the notches of supports 14, 14 providing seats for the rocker lever 17 and the notches of supports 15, 15 providing seats for the rocker lever 18. A resilient tension member or spring 19 connects the outer end of rocker lever 17, preferably at its middle portion, to the pin 13 and a similar spring 20 connects the rocker lever 18 to the pin 12. As will later appear, each spring 19, 20 is under tension to swing the rocker to which it is connected about its su port 14-14 or 15 15 accordingly as 13 pin for the spring is moved from one side of the fulcrum for the rocker to the other side thereof. The rockers shown herein are cut away at their central portions to permit the positioning of the springs between the rocker supports, but it will be obvious that the springs may be otherwise associated with and connected to the rockers.

The terminal block 6 is suitably drilled to receive two switch pivot members 21 and 22, these members having relatively long threaded shanks 23-to provide for adjustment of the pivot point with respect to the terminal plate 6, the shanks being provided with nuts to secure them in adjusted position. A rocking switch blade'24 is mounted on the pivot member 21 and a similar blade 25 is mounted on the pivot member 22. The blade 24 is adapted to contact with an adjustable switch contact 26 at one end, preferably its outer end, the switch contact bein also adjustably carried by the termina block 6, being preferably mounted similarly to the supporting pivot members 21, 22. The switch blade 25 is arranged and mounted similarly with respect to an adjustable switch contact 27. Adjustable stop members 28 and 29 are provided to limit the opening or reverse movement of the switch blades 24 and 25, being arranged to enga e the opposite ends, that is, the opposite en 5 of the blades from the contacts. These stop members are also carried by the terminal block 6, being mounted in the same manner as the supporting members 21, 22 and contacts 26, 27. The outer ends of the stop members are provided with suitable insu1ation tips. The holes in the terminal block 6 are of the same size for the stop members 27 and 28 as are the holes for the switch contacts 26 and 27 and if desired the position of the switch contacts may be exchanged with reference to the adjustable stop members 28 and 29. Suitable electrical connections are made to the switch blades 24 and 25 and to the switch contact members 26 and 27 by means of the wires 30, 30a and 31, 31a, the terminals themselves being held under lock nuts on the switch terminals and the shanks of the supports in the usual manner, as shown in Fig. 2. By preference the wires 30a, 31a, are connected to a common lead 30'.

The inner end of switch blades 24 and 25 are provided with blocks 32 and 33 preferably formed of suitable insulation, and these blocks have their inner ends slotted for the loose reception of the outer ends 34 and 35 of the rocker levers 17 and 18, the slots being somewhat wider than the thickness of the rockerplates and being rounded off, as shown at 36, 37, adjacent their open ends. These slots function to provide operative connections between the outer or free ends of the rocker levers 17 and 18 and the blades 24, 25, to transmit movement to the latter in the manner to be later set forth.

A cover or casing 38 is provided to protect the switch mechanism and electrical connections on the terminal block, this cover being provided with a slot 28a for the reception of the shaft 2.

For the purpose of operating the switch blades successively or in a predetermined sequence, the supporting pins for the inner ends of the springs are out of line with each other or spaced difi'erent distances from the cam engaging end of the member 10.

The cam 3 may be constructed to control the movement of the operating member and through it operate the rockers 17 18, successively or in any other desired sequence one Figs. 1, 3 and 4, will permit movement of the operating member predetermined distances under the tension of the spring 11 to operate first the rocker 17 (see Fig. 3) and then the rocker 18 (see Fig. 4) and then by means of the portion 30 to move the member 10 in the opposite direction to its first position (see Figs. 1 and 7).

The operation of the switch mechanism in the embodiment described will now be evident by referring to Fig. 1 and assuming the cam 3 to be slowly revolving in the direction of the arrow. This motion will cause the reciprocating member 10 to move slowly toward the cam shaft under the bias of the spring 11, carrying the pin 13 and the inner end of the spring 19 past the fulcrum or dead center point of the rocker lever 17 As soon as this occurs the spring 19 which is in tension will cause the rocker 17 to swing suddenly about its supports 14, 14 and the rocker in turn through its engagement with the opposite wall of the slot 32a to rock or shift the switch blade 24 suddenly into the position shown in Fig. 3, this shifting taking place with a snap action, the rate of movement of the rocker or lever 17 being independent of the rate of movement of the reciprocating member 10. As the outer end of the rocker or lever is held in the slot 32a formed in the block 32, the switch blade 24 will be suddenly actuated or snapped into a position against the switch contact 26 and the associated circuit will therefore be closed, as

shown in Fig. 3. With the knife edge supports 14, 14, 15, 15 and the switch pivot members 21 and 22 in the position shown and with the pin 12 further removed from the cam contact end of the reciprocating member 10 than the pin 13 it will be evident that as the cam 3 further rotates to the position shown in Fig. 4 the reciprocating member 10 will move further toward the cam shaft, as av result the pin 12 will carry the spring 20 by the dead center of the rocker lever 18 thereby causing a snap actuation of switch lever 25 into engagement with the contact 27 and closing of the associated circuit. By loosening the set screws 16, 16 however the lrnife edge supports 14, 14, 15, 15 may be ad- ]usted so that the fulcrum plane of the rocker levers 17 and 18 may be altered as regards their distance from the cam engaging end of the member 10. Similarly the threaded portion of the switch pivot members 21 and 22 may be adjusted with reference to the terminal block 6 as may the switch stop members 28 and 29 and the switch contact members 26'and 27, thereby altering the position of the blocks 32 and 33 with reference to their location relative to the cam contacting end of member 10 when in its normal posi-' tion (Fig. 1). Also provision may be made for (1) adjusting the screws 16 longitudinally of the arms of the U-frame 1 and (2) adjustin the pins 12, 13, longitudinally of the mem er 10. By these various adjustable features of this structure it becomes possible to regulate the point of operation at which the switch members are snap actuated during the movement of the reciprocating member 10 and it thereby becomes possible to set the switch mechanism so that there may be any desired sequential operation of the switch blades 24 and 25, with suitable time intervals between them, or even a simultaneous operation of these switch blades, if the same is desired, without altering the shape of the cam or changing its driving mechanism. Likewise, the cam may be shaped to provide the desired sequence of operations with any desired time interval. between successive operations and the cam may be driven at any desired speed. The cam is removably mounted on the shaft 2. By making the slots 32a, 33a, in the switch blade blocks 32, 33, somewhat wider than the thickness of the rockers 17, 18, the latter when operated will acquire considerable momentum so that when they engage the opposite walls of the slots 32a, 33a, they will accelerate the snap action movement of the latter.

Til the movement of the operatingmember 10 to its first position by the engagement of the cam portion 30 therewith the switch blades 24, 25, are operated in the reverse order to open the circuits, but by otherwise shaping the cam, one of the switch blades can be otherwise controlled. The cam 3 may be rotated in either direction. Likewise the switch contacts and stop-members may be reversed. By reversing one switch contact and the adjacent stop member, one circuit will be closed and the other circuit opened, in the movement of the control member 10 in either direction.

The embodiment disclosed in Fi s. 8, 9 and 19 is similar to that which has been illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, and described in connection therewith except for the distinction that the switch mechanism provides four switch blades 24, 25, 24a and 25a, to control four separate circuits, these blades being arranged in a 90 relationship.

Tn this modification the frame of the 'S Witch member may comprise four corner posts 112 supported by the base 4' and in turn supporting the terminal block 6 which in this modification is of cruciform shape.

guide pin 8 is provided upon which a' reciprocating member 10 functions, under or toward the cam 3'. With the cam in the position shown in Figure 9', all of the switch blades will be out of engagement with their respective contacts. Assuming the cam 3 to rotate in a clockwise direction, upon engagement of portion 12 with the member 10', switch blade 24. will be operated; upon engagement of portion with the member switch blade 24a will beoperated; upon the engagement of portion (1 with the member 10, switch blade 25a will be operated; and upon the engagement of portion c with the member 10, switch blade'25 will be operated. As the cam 3' completes its rotation, the face of the cam in passing from portion e to portion a will operate all of the switch blades in the opposite direction or re-set them in circuit open position (Fig. 9).

These pins are connected by springs 19, 19a, 20 and 20a to the four rocker levers 17 17a, 18 and 18a, respectively, which are 'in turn supported at their inner ends on the adjustable knife edge supports 14, 14, 14a, 14a, 15, 15, and 15a, 15a. These rocker levers cooperate with the four switch blades 24, 24a, 25 and 25a by virtue of the insulated slotted blocks mounted on their inner ends, to produce the snap actuation of the blades in the manner already described. The four switch blades 24, 24a, 25 and 25a are adjustably supported by the terminal block 6f which also adjustably supports the switch contacts and stop members.

The terminal block is of course not limited to this shape or the shape shown in connection with the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7, as the individual switch levers may be arranged in any other geometrical form and may be mounted either in a single plane as is the case in the embodiments so'far described, or they may be arranged in tiers and operated either simultaneously, progressively or in any desired combination or sequence.

The embodiment disclosed in Fig. 11 is directed to a different form of actuating mechanism, the structure of the switch blades, the snap actuating mechanism and the terminal block being identical with that disclosed in either of the previous embodiments.

The actuation of the control member 10 in this embodiment is accomplished electromagnetically by providing the reciprocating member 10 with a rounded stud 39 in contact with an armature member 40 which is pivoted on a suitable support 41. A resilient spring member 42 urges the armature member 40 against the point or stud 39, the spring member 42 being of sufficient strength to overcome the normal tension of the spiral spring 11 with a result that the normal position of the reciprocating member 10 is as shown in Fig. 11. A slow acting electromagnet is provided for the actuation of the armature 40, the same comprising acore 43 surrounded by an actuating winding 44. A

heavy copper disk or end piece 45 is provided which will exert a damping action and provide for the relatively slow energization or building up of magnetic flux in the core 43 of the electro-magnet. Such energization when the circuit of the winding 44 is energized will attract the armature 40 against the tension of the spring member 42 thereby permitting the reciprocating member 10 to follow the movement of the armature under the urge of spring 11. This movement will cause a sequential snap action of the switch levers 24 and 25 as has previously been described in connection with the movement of the reciprocating member 10 in the prior described embodiments. 1

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment in which a thermostatic element is utilized for operating the switch structure. This modification will therefore find use when it is desired to obtain a control over a plurality of electrical circuits by temperature such as the temperature of water in a tank which may be electrically heated.

In this modification, the switch blades and associated snap actuation structure resemble that previously described.

Switch blades 24 and 25 are pivotally supported upon the terminal block 6 by means of switch pivot members 21 and 22. These switch levers cooperate with switch contacts 26 and 27, and stop members 28 and 29, the position of the switch contact members and stop members being interchanged or reversed with reference to the position of these members in the prior described modifications for reasons which will later appear.

The switch blades 24 and 25 are snap actu'- ated in the manner previously described by means ofthe rocking levers 17, 18, springs 19, 20, actuated in turn by a reciprocation of member 10 along the guide pin or member 9.

The base 4 of the switch device is provided with a threaded boss 4a for the attachment of the switch structure to the tank or receptacle, holding the fluid which is to exercise the temperature control. This boss has mounted therein a tube of material 46 and having a relatively large coeflicient of expansion, and adapted to project within the tank or receptacle upon which the switch device is in tended to be mounted.

Secured to the closed inner end of the tube 46 and mounted within the same is a rod 47 of material having a relatively low c0- eflicient of expansion. The outer end of rod 47 is reduced in size and provided with a rounded end 48. The tube 46 and rod 47 therefore form a thermostatic couple which function to cause the end of rod 48 to move to the right upon increase of temperature of the fluid surrounding the tube 46 and to move to the left upon decrease of temperature.

intermediate the limbs of the U-shaped lever 49. Lever 51 which is pivoted to lever 49 b a pivot pin 52, is provided with a suitable soclcet 53 to receive the rounded point 48 of rod 47. Assuming now that the fluid in the tanlr is at a suficiently high tempera ture, the point 48 of rod 47 will be retrac ed to the right, a suficient amount to per- -mit the reciprocating member 10 to travel along pin 9 under the urge of spring 11 to a point where both switch blades 24 and 25 will be in the open position. Assuming new that the fluid surrounding the tube 46 cools a suficient amount, the point 48 will move toward the left, this motion being multiplied and transmitted to member 10 by means of the levers 49 and 51'. This will cause member 10 to move'to the left against spring 11 and cause a snap actuation of switch lever 25 to the closed position, as shown in Fig. 13.

Further cooling of the fluid will cause the point 48 to move further to the left and the member 10 with its correspondingly magnified motion to snap actuate the switch blade 24 so that upon sufiicient cooling both switch blades will be in the closed position as shown in Fig. 12.

Instead of utilizing a cam 3, a slow acting electro-magnetic means or a thermostatic means such as have been described, any de-= vice capable of giving an operating movement to the reciprocating member it may be utilised. A pressure actuated member or any other device may be utilized desired to impart suitable movement to the reciproeating member 10 so that the switch would thereby be under pressure control.

lln the forms of construction shown a spring is used to move the reciprocating member in one direction and separate means are employed for moving it in the opposite direc tion, but it will be understood that a single means may be used for carrying out both movements.

It will be evident that the structure is not limited to the specific embodiments which have been illustrated and described herein, but that it may find utilization wherever it is desired to control a plurality of electrical circuits from a single actuating means, and the invention is therefore susceptible of numerous embodiments within the scope on? the appended claims.

What ll claim is:

1. An electric switch mechanism comprising in combination, a frame, a reciprocating member slidably mounted in said frame, means constantly tending to move said memher in one direction separate means for moviug said member in the opposite direction, a plurality of cooperating electric switch levers and contacts, operating means for one of said switch levers, and separate operating means for another of said switch levers arranged to close the second switch subsequently to said first mentioned switch, both of said means being operated by the movement of said reciprocating member for successively operating said switch levers.

2, An electric switch mechanism comprising in combination a frame, a guide member supported by said frame, a member adapted to slide on said guide member, means constantly tending to move said member in one direction, separate means for moving said member in the opposite direction, a plurality of cooperating electric switch levers and contacts, operating means for one of said switch levers, and separate operating means for another of said switch levers and arranged to close said second switch subsequently to said first mentioned switch, both of said means being carried by said reciproeating member and causing sequential operation of said switch levers during a movement or said reciprocating member in one direction.

3. An electrical switch mechanism comprising in combination a frame, a reciprocating member mounted in said frame, means constantly tending to move said member in one direction, separate means for moving said member in the opposite direction, a terminal block, a plurality of switch levers supported by said terminal block, a plurality of switch contacts supported by said terminal bloclr and each adapted to cooperate with one of said switch levers to open or close a circuit, a plurality of operating devices carried by said reciprocating member and operatively connected with said switch levers and spring means giving each of said levers different tensions to operate them at various periods in the movement of said reciprocating member,

An electric switch mechanism comprising combination, a frame, a guide member supported by said frame, a reciprocating member adapted to slide on said guide memher, means for biasing said reciprocating member to a predetermined position, separate means for moving said member in the opposite direction, a plurality of switch levers, contacts arranged to be engaged by said levers, means carried by said reciprocating member and causing successive operation of said switch levers during a movement of said reciprocating member from said biased position, and means to adjust the sequence of 0peratlon of said switch levers.

5. An electrical switch mechanism comprising in combination a frame, a reciprocating member mounted in said frame, means for operating said member, a terminal block, a plurality of pivoted switch levers supported by said terminal block, a plurality of switch contacts supported by said terminal block and adapted to cooperate with said switch levers, a plurality of rocking levers fulcrumed on said frame and connected to said switch levers for operating the same, and means connecting each of said rocking levers to said reciprocating member for actuating said rocking levers and associated switch levers upon movement of said reciprocating member.

6.,An electrical switch mechanism comprising in combination a frame, a reciprocating member mounted in said frame, means for operating said member, a terminal block, a plurality of pivoted switch levers supported by said terminal block, a plurality of switch contacts supported by said terminal block and adapted to cooperate with said switch levers, a plurality of rocking levers fulcrumed on said frame and connected to said switch levers for operating the same, and resilient means connecting each of said rocking levers to said reciprocating member for actuating said rocking levers and associated switch levers upon movement of said reciprocating member.

7. An electrical switch mechanism comprising in combination a frame, a reciprocating member mounted in said frame, means for operatin said member, a terminal block, a lurallty of pivoted switch levers su ported y said terminal block, a plurality 0 switch contacts supported by said terminal block and adapted to cooperate with said switch levers, a plurality of knife edge supports 'adjustably secured to said frame, a plurality of rocking levers fulcrumed on said supports and connected to said switch levers for operating the same, and resilient means connecting each of said rocking levers to said member for snap actuating each of said rocking levers and associated switch levers upon movement thereof across the plane of the fulcrum oint of the associated rocking lever.

8. 11 electric switch mechanism comprising in combination a frame, a guide member supported by sald frame, a reciprocating member adapted to slide on said ide member, means for reciprocating said member, a terminal block, a plurality of electric switch levers carried by said terminal block and arradially with respect to said guide pin, and means carried by said reciprocating member and including radially arranged snap acting rocking levers for effecting se-* quential operation of said switch levers durmg movement of said'reciprocating member,

the connections of said resilient means to said reciprocating member being at different distances from the point of application of the operating means therefor.

9. An electric switch mechanism comprising in combination a frame, a guide member supported by said frame, a reciprocating member adapted to slide on said guide member, means for reciprocating said member, a terminal block, a plurality of electric switch levers carried by said terminal block and arranged radially with respect to said guide member, and means carried by said reciprocating member and including radially arranged snap acting rocking levers for effecting sequential operation of said switch levers during movement of said reciprocating mem- 10. A multiple circuit electric switch of the character described comprising in combination a frame, a guide pin supported centrally therein, a terminal block, a member adapted for reciprocation along the axis of said guide pin, a plurality of pivoted switch contact devices radially supported by said terminal block with reference to said guide pin, a plurality of rocking levers fulcrumed on said frame at the1r lnner ends and having their outer ends in cooperative relationship with said pivoted switch contact devices, and resilient means connecting each of said rocking levers to various points along the axis of said reciprocating member, for actuating said rocking levers in sequence, as said reciprocating member 1s moved axially of said.

guide pin.

11. A multiple circuit electric switch of the character describedcomprising in combina t-ion a frame, a guide supported centrally therein, a terminal block disposed in a plane at right angles to said guide, a member adapted for reciprocation along the axis of said guide, a plurality of pivoted switch contact devices radially supported by said terminal block with reference to said guide, slotted insulatin blocks mounted on the inner ends of said plvoted switch contact devices, a plurality of rocking levers fulcrumed on said frame at their inner ends and having their outer ends disposed in said slotted insulating blocks, and resilient means connecting each of said rocking levers to various points along the axis of said reciprocating member, for actuating said rocking levers in sequence, as said reciprocating member is moved axially of said guide.

12. A multiple circuit electric switch of the character described comprising in combination a frame, a guide supported centrally therein, a terminal block disposed in a plane at right angles to said guide, a member adapted for reciprocation along the axis of said guide, a plurality of pivoted switch contact devices radially supported by said terminal bl ck with reference to said guide and indi- 13. An electrical switch mechanism com-.

prising in combination a frame, a member mounted to reciprocate in said frame, a terminal block, a plurality ct switch devices, an operating means between each said switch device and said member, each said operating- 7 means compnsing connected rockers one ct which is arranged to engage and disengage the adjacent-switch device and a spring connecting the other rocker to said member, the connections of said springs with said member being in spaced relation longitudinally of said member whereby the latter operates said operating means at various periods in its movement of said reciprocating member, and means for efiecting the movement of said member. I

14. A mechanism as claimed in claim 13 in which the moving means includes an endvvise movable member.

15. A mechanism as claimed in claim 13 in which the moving means includes an electromagnetic means,

16. In an electric switch, the combination of a fame, a guide pin, a member formed with an opening into which said pin extends to form a guide therefor, a spring between said frame and said member normally tending to move it in one direction,'means for operating said member in the opposite direction, a plurality of pairs of switch contacts, one contact of each pair being movable, and operating means between each said movable contact and said member and connected with the latter at spaced points longitudinally thereof, whereby the switches are controlled in sequence.

17. In an electric switch, the combination of a frame, a guide pin, a member formed with an opening into which said pin extends to form a guide therefor, a spring between said frame and said member normally tending to move it in one direction, means for operating said member in the opposite direction, a plu-' rality of pairs of switch contacts, one contact of each pair being movable, and operating means between each said movable contait and said member and connected with the latter at spaced points longitudinally thereof, each said operating means including a spring that is put under tension to effect a snap action of saidmeans.

18. In an electrical switch, a plurality of eeaece sets of devices disposed radially about a common center, each set comprising outer and inner devices and an intermediate device and said intermediate device comprising a rocker arranged to alternately engage the outer and inner devices, electric connections with said rocker of each set and one of the other de- Hill) lllll 

